The Four Courts and The River Liffey – Historic Dublin Art

Description

Standing downstream on the River Liffey in Dublin, I saw the impressive green dome on the roof of Four Courts building as seen in this print. I didn’t recall having read anything about the building, but there was just something about the architecture that called to me. So I had to wander up the Liffey for a better look at Inns Quay.

I’ve read the style of architecture in the Four Courts building is Neoclassical, and definitely I can see it in the front pediments and columns, but the dome seems different from most I’ve seen. It has a very distinctive and memorable quality. It reminds me a little of the dome of the Pantheon in a way I can’t explain. And of course the Pantheon is quite classical. Ultimately, whatever inspired its design, it’s certainly a memorable piece of Dublin architecture.

Later, I read that the Four Courts, like many of the government buildings in Dublin, was damaged in the Irish war for Independence. The building was restored but sadly a 1,000 years of Ireland’s historic documents were lost. While the interior was reconfigured for modern use, the exterior of the historic Four Courts is faithful to its original construction.

I thought the dazzling skies in this photo were perfectly suited for a painterly photo-art treatment. I spent so many hours on this particular  artwork, often starting over before I created a print that I feel befits such a grand 18th century building as Dublin’s Four Courts.

There’s a quality to the final image that feels timeless to me. And of course this Four Courts print reminds me of standing on the banks of the Liffey on a cold winter day. Have you also gazed across the Liffey at this beautiful old building? I’d love to hear what speaks to you about this Dublin artwork?

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